Omni Measurement Systems, Inc.
AMXD: A New Extended-Wear Bladder Relief System
Jerry Reid
Omni Measurements Systems, Inc. has developed extended-wear, semi-automatic bladder relief systems for female and male aircrew for the U.S. Air Force. The Advanced Mission Extender Device (AMXD) is designed for extended flights in aircraft without toilet facilities. Use of other bladder relief devices including male piddle packs and female diapers require unstrapping, partial undress, and excessive movement within the cockpit. Three accidents (two F-16s and one A-10) have been reported involving male piddle packs, resulting in loss of life and aircraft. Some aircrew members also dehydrate prior to long missions in order to avoid relieving their bladders while in flight. Dehydration impairs performance and can lead to serious health problems. Recognizing this problem, the Air Force made aircrew bladder relief the Number Two priority for Life Support in 2004. The self-powered AMXD improves aircrew members' combat readiness and permits them to concentrate on mission objectives without distractions or interruption. No unbuckling, undressing or maneuvering is required.
To download the full paper CLICK HERE (.PDF)
